Bridge Preservation Work to Close I-40 East at N.C. 801 in Forsyth County This Weekend

Friday, July 12, 2013

Motorists encouraged use alternate routes to access area businesses

RALEIGH — As work progresses on a N.C. Department of Transportation project to preserve the bridges carrying I-40 over the Yadkin River at the Forsyth-Davie county line, crews will close a section of I-40 East this weekend to begin work on the eastbound bridge.

Crews have completed the concrete installation on the westbound bridge and will begin replacing concrete on the eastbound bridge deck this weekend. The work will require the full closure of I-40 East at N.C. 801 (Exit 180) over two weekends, as well as intermittent lane closures on weeknights.

The first weekend closure will be in place from 8 p.m. on Friday, July 12, until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 15. The second weekend closure is scheduled for July 19-22. All dates are dependent on favorable weather.

During the closure, motorists traveling locally on I-40 East should take N.C. 801 (Exit 180) to U.S. 158/Clemmons Road to Harper Road back to I-40 East as a detour.

For motorists traveling to Winston-Salem or points east, NCDOT encourages the use of I-77 North (Exit 51B) to U.S. 421 South (Exit 73A) to I-40 East as an alternate route. Another alternate route is U.S. 601 North to U.S. 421 South to I-40 East.

In addition to the weekend closures, motorists can expect intermittent weeknight lane closures on this two-mile stretch of I-40 East. These closures may occur from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. on weeknights through Friday, Aug. 9, weather permitting. At least one lane will remain open at all times during the weeknight closures.

The preservation project will improve the condition of the 55-year old bridges and is necessary to ensure these bridges remain safe for travel through this high traffic area.

NCDOT continues to work with surrounding communities to get the word out about the closures. Area businesses will remain open throughout the project and local traffic is encouraged to use alternate routes to access those businesses, particularly during peak travel times. Message boards and signs in the area will alert motorists to alternate routes, and local law enforcement will direct traffic as necessary.

“Bridge preservation projects like this one are necessary to ensure the longer term safety and viability of important roadways that connect our communities," said NCDOT Division Engineer Pat Ivey. “While we are working through weekends to finish as quickly as possible, we know there is a short term impact to people who live, work and shop in the area. That's why we are working to divert as much traffic as possible to alternate routes and will continue our efforts to inform motorists statewide of the work schedule and encourage the patronage of local businesses.”Project DetailsThis bridge preservation project is a vital investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure. The work will improve the overall condition of the bridges and help them last longer by sealing and protecting the concrete driving surface from water damage, improving safety and mobility on this section of I-40.

Project BackgroundThis $2 million project is part of NCDOT’s $450 million state-funded bridge plan for 2011-13, which calls for preservation, repairs or replacement of bridges statewide. Under this plan, the department uses a preservation and rehabilitation approach when possible to make the best use of limited funds. Instead of just replacing bridges across the board, strategic improvements are made to extend the life span of the existing bridge at a significant cost savings. This approach allows the department to improve the overall condition of bridges across the state and stretch the taxpayers’ dollars much further.

NCDOT reminds motorists to use caution in the area, watch signs for project information and allow plenty of time to reach their destinations safely.

For updates and additional information about this project, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/ncdot_I40 or visit www.ncdot.gov/travel.